CPS Board meeting minutes - October 2021

Monday 01 November, 13:00-15:00
Room: Euston, Farringdon, Dulwich

Members

Monica Burch (C), Max Hill QC, Rebecca Lawrence, Mark Hammond, Simon Jeffreys, Caroline Wayman

Guests

Steve Buckingham, Sue Hemming, Grace Ononiwu, Tristan Bradshaw

Secretariat

Lissa Matthews, Harry Spooner

Item 1: Declaration of any conflicts

1.    Board Members had no new conflicts of interest to declare.

Item 2: Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

2.    The Board reviewed and agreed the minutes of the last meeting. Progress was noted against outstanding actions. The Chair noted the Whistleblowing update from Dawn Brodrick will take place at the November Board meeting. It was also noted the recruitment and staffing update would be provided during the November Board.
2.1    The Board agreed the action items reflecting Operational Recovery and the Changing Nature of Crime could be closed following the completion of the October Board meeting. The Board also agreed the item concerning area visits could be closed.
2.2    The Board welcomed Harry Spooner, who has taken up a new Assistant Private Secretary Post within CPS Private Office.

Item 3: Update from the CEO

3.    The CEO provided an update on the following themes:
a.    The Spending Review
b.    Performance Reporting
c.    Operational Recovery
d.    RASSO: Casework improvement and Operation Soteria
e.    RASSO Communication and Engagement
f.    Future ways of working
g.    Victim Leads Assessment and Commission
3.1    The Board discussed the positive reception received from colleagues who had returned to the workplace.
3.2    The Board agreed it would be helpful to have a review of general security, health and wellbeing, along with an assessment of individual and organisational risk.

Item 4: Update from the Chair

4.    The Chair had intended to provide feedback from a meeting with the Law Officers, but the meeting had been postponed. The Chair invited the DPP to provide an update on recent high-profile disclosure issues.
4.1    The DPP set out the issues and CPS response, including the process to capture lessons learnt.

Item 5: Spending Review Update

5.    Steve Buckingham, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), provided a verbal update on the Spending Review. A slide deck summarising the Spending Review was circulated to Board members in advance of the meeting. The CFO drew out three main themes from the Spending Review:
a.    Growth
b.    Innovation
c.    Governance Structure
5.1    The Board discussed how the CPS will demonstrate value for money, the need to balance spending, and the opportunity for functional financial reporting going forward.
5.2    The Board congratulated the CFO, the CEO and the DPP on the successful outcome of the Spending Review.

Item 6: Changing Nature of Crime Update

6.    Sue Hemming, DLS, gave a verbal update to the Board on the Changing Nature of Crime project. The Board acknowledged the papers Sue provided in advance of the meeting. The key points were:
a.    The proposal for a new Directorate has been received well from Unions and Staff. The new Directorate will oversee strategic insight of serious economic, organised and international crime
b.    A new ring-fenced, standalone team, the Organised Sexual Abuse Unit (OCSAU), will be part of the new Directorate as an interim measure
c.    The Investment Committee approved the creation of a second Business Operations Centre (BOC) for the new Directorate
6.1    The Board praised Sue for her efforts in handling the addition of a new Directorate, and effectively engaging with all those involved.

Item 7: Operational Recovery Update

7. The Board welcomed Grace Ononiwu, DLS, and Tristan Bradshaw, Deputy Director of Operational Delivery. Grace and Tristan highlighted:
a.    The significant court recovery efforts which continue to be made at both an Area and National level
b.    Recovery in the Magistrates Court, and the slower recovery in the Crown Court
c.    The risk around Custody Time Limits
d.    The engagement with senior members of the Judiciary to discuss CPS plans
e.    The Governance arrangements of the Operational Recovery Group
f.    The data set which will allow the Operational Recovery Group to monitor progress
g.    Training to build up RASSO Capacity
7.1    The Board discussed:
a.    The successful recruitment of additional resource into the CPS to aid Court Recovery
b.    The ability to pinpoint which CPS areas need resource in a timely manner
c.    The difficulty of projecting court recovery
d.    The significance of continuing cooperation with the Criminal Justice System

Item 8: Performance Reporting Work Update 

8.    The CEO and Grace Ononiwu, DLS, updated the Board on the progress with the Performance Framework plan. The key points were:
a.    The new Executive level Performance and Risk group had its first substantive meeting on 1st October
b.    Data and analytical capability has improved in CPS HQ with a recruitment drive to the Performance Management Unit (PMU)
c.    An acceleration of information onto PowerBI will enable data to be used in more dynamic ways
d.    A new reporting rhythm will allow a more timely, efficient flow of data and analysis through the Performance and Risk Group; Executive Group; the CPS Board and the Ministerial Board
8.1    The Board discussed how data can be extrapolated for the purpose of the Board meetings, along with the process by which the Board can provide feedback on which information can be further tailored for the use of Non-Executive oversight.

Item 9: AOB

9.    Board members had no other items to raise.

Secretariat
November 2021